Saddleworth and Lees Labour Party calls for help as Lees Co-op set to close

The Co-op store in Lees

Signs put up at Lees Co-op state the store is closing on the 5th November, a week after the petrol station will also close. Posts on social media speculate that the site has been bought by either Aldi or Asda but nothing has been confirmed by either company or by the Co-op.

Residents are concerned that the closure of the Co-op will leave Lees without a general grocery store either in the short term if the site is redeveloped, or permanently.

Nye Goodwin, Chair of Saddleworth and Lees Labour Party, has written to Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of the Council, to ask the Council to clarify the position, particularly about the possibility of a replacement store.

Mr Goodwin's letter continues ‘The branch understands that this is a commercial decision made by the Co-op and not the responsibility of Oldham Council. However, we are concerned that many residents will struggle to find the groceries they need without incurring extra transport costs in shopping further away from their homes. Given the pressure on household budgets from food inflation, paying anything on top will be a struggle for many.

The branch would also urge the Council to consider what action it can take to help either directly or indirectly by asking the new owner to put in place some temporary measures for example a temporary store or subsidising transport to alternative stores owned by the same company.’

Dave Barter, a Lees resident added ‘I’m really concerned that many people will struggle with their weekly shop and paying for a bus, taxi or extra petrol will just make things worse. I think it would be helpful if the Council could also protect the site as a general food and grocery shop – the retail study produced for the Local Plan consultation was clear that there aren’t enough food convenience stores in Lees and there are too may services instead of shops.’

Saddleworth and Lees Labour Party has also launched a petition calling for;

The purchasers of the land for the new store to find ways to open a temporary store (even though smaller) on part of the site or nearby until the permanent one opens

Co-op (as the employer) to press the purchasers to employ the Lees staff and avoid redundancy, finding them other roles meanwhile if necessary

Oldham Council to work with residents to explore means of keeping local supermarket facilities in Lees.

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